Tips: Take stress out of family holidays

Planning, budgeting, sharing workload can help

Holidays are a wonderful time to share with family and friends. But, for many older adults it can also be very stressful -- both physically and emotionally.

Holiday activities might even take a toll on your overall health and attitude.

What can you do to make sure it's enjoyable without undue stress?

Be realistic:

As families grow and change, family traditions also might change.

Take time before the holidays to pick out two or three traditions or rituals which are really important to you and your family.

Then focus on those and maybe even add a new tradition which comes from your children's spouse's families.

Don't try to do all the things you did in younger years.

Pace your work load:

If you don't have the energy you used to, don't do so much that you'll be physically exhausted.

Allow for extra time to do what is necessary and enjoy the holidays rather than feel rushed and pressured.

Be sure to allow time for a break or nap.

If you normally get up later in the day or take an afternoon nap -- keep that as part of your daily schedule.

Share the work:

Seriously consider hiring some things done, or give out assignments to family members who are willing to help with decorating, baking desserts, maybe even doing some of the heavy shopping.

Don't be shy about telling others where you need help.

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You can also host a "party" to decorate, wrap packages or make special foods. That way others are helping you with the work.

Plan ahead:

While some holiday preparations have to be done on the last day, there are lots of things that can be done ahead.

If you're the head chef for the day, don't wait until the day before to shop. Other than fresh fruits and vegetables, many foods can be purchased ahead of time.

Perishable foods can be refrigerated for a week or more and, if frozen, will keep much longer.

Ignore the white-glove test:

While everyone wants their home to be spic-and-span clean for company, most of the company you will have won't be checking out the corners or under the couch to see if you did it. They came to see you.

Do any serious cleaning at least a week ahead of time.

Then, you'll only have to do a light dusting and vacuuming of the traffic pathways the day before.

Stick to a budget:

Whether it's food, gifts or decorations, make a budget early before the holiday season rolls around.

If your family has grown to a size where you worry about paying for all the gifts, it may be time to start new traditions.

Some families draw names and only give one gift. In some, the kids draw names for each other; others only have gifts for children.

You decide what fits for your situation and your budget.

Food and beverage can also overwhelm the budget. Just because you usually provide the entire holiday meal, it doesn't mean you need to do it this year.

If you're the host family, prepare the meat dish and have others bring the rest.

Then you don't have to buy lots of items to be sure everyone has what he or she likes.

Keep healthy habits:

Just because it's a busy time of the year, don't abandon your healthy habits.

If you normally take a daily walk, swim, attend an exercise program, or play a round of golf -- keep it in your schedule. Exercise will actually increase your metabolism and give you extra energy, which helps both the mind and body.

Don't feel like you are ignoring family or company you might have. Rather, invite them along. They would enjoy seeing how you stay healthy.

Don't overeat:

Just because it's the holidays, you don't have a license to overindulge. It will only add to your stress and guilt, especially if you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease.

If you're preparing food, make sure you have some low-calorie foods and beverages which all can enjoy.

If going to a party, have a healthy snack before you leave home so you'll not be tempted to go overboard on sweets, cheeses and drinks.

Take a breather:

If the house seems to have gotten too small for everyone and you want to escape -- go for it.

Sometimes spending just 15 minutes alone without any distractions can refresh you enough to handle all the things you need to do.

This might be going to a bedroom and close the door, or enjoying a walk outdoors or just sitting on the porch or patio.

Take time now to plan what you'll do this year to take the stress out of the holiday season. It may turn out to be the best holiday ever.